Sen. Regina Birdsell

Maddy summarySB 458 would allow licensed health care professionals to dispense up to a 60-day supply of noncontrolled oral anti-cancer medications under a provider's supervision. This change expands the current rules that generally limit pharmacy dispensing to 30-day supplies for such drugs. The bill specifically targets patients requiring long-term cancer treatment by permitting authorized professionals to provide these medications directly. Although the legislation was recently reviewed by committees, it was ultimately not recommended for further action in the 2024 session.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire insurance laws to ensure coverage for autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome under the state's mental health and developmental disability mandates. It achieves this by renaming the existing category for autism from "pervasive developmental disorder" to "autism spectrum disorder" and adding Down syndrome as a distinct condition requiring coverage. Additionally, the legislation removes previous limits on the amount of insurance coverage available for these conditions. These changes directly affect insurance companies and policyholders by expanding the scope of covered services and eliminating financial caps on treatment costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million to the Lead Paint Hazard Remediation Fund to help address lead paint dangers in homes. The money will come from either leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act or the state's Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund, depending on what is available by September 2024. The Governor's office for emergency relief and recovery will decide which source to use, and the Housing Finance Authority will manage the spending. This act takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 342 establishes a dedicated School Construction Fund to provide annual funding for new school building projects starting in fiscal year 2025. The bill creates a tiered funding schedule that begins at $30 million and increases by $5 million each year until reaching a cap of $80 million, which is then maintained annually. This money is restricted to new construction projects authorized on or after July 1, 2025, and must be used for facilities that serve as instructional spaces for at least 20 years. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Education to develop a 10-year plan to prioritize and manage future school facility needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 proposes creating a new Judicial Training Coordinator position to oversee professional development for judges and court staff. The bill mandates that all new judges and non-judicial employees hired after July 1, 2025, complete an initial orientation covering court procedures, legal skills, and specific topics like ethics and implicit bias. It also establishes annual continuing education requirements, such as 24 hours for supreme and superior court justices and 12 to 16 hours for various clerks and administrative roles. Although the legislation outlines these specific training hours and responsibilities, the bill was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Hampshire's Administrative Procedure Act to improve how government agencies create and enforce new rules. It requires agencies to send earlier and broader notices to affected occupational licensees and legislators before holding public hearings on proposed regulations. Additionally, the bill shifts the burden of proof to agencies in court challenges, requiring them to demonstrate that a contested rule is legal, consistent with legislative intent, and in the public interest. If an agency cannot meet this burden, a court may invalidate the rule and order the agency to pay the challenger's legal fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the state constitution that grants parents a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It establishes that the state or local governments cannot interfere with these parental rights unless they prove a compelling interest of the highest order that cannot be served any other way. The measure includes a specific exception stating that this right does not apply to parental actions that would end a child's life or cause physical harm to them. Rather than passing into law directly, the bill sets up a process to put this constitutional amendment to a vote of the qualified voters in November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows town health officers in New Hampshire to create their own local rules for preventing public health threats, such as removing nuisances. Under the proposed changes, these new regulations would become official once approved by local selectmen, recorded by the town clerk, and published in a local newspaper or posted in public places. The legislation would have taken effect 60 days after passing, but it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and later sustained over the veto by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.